I can always tell spring is coming by the increase in questions we field regarding reproduction. The breeding season elicits some practical and some curious questions. A common question involves the two round-shaped swellings at the base of a male dog’s penis–usually noticeable when they are on their backs, just roused from sleeping. No, your neutered dog did not regrow their testicles! Nor did the surgeon “miss a pair” or “forget” to actually remove them. This part of the male dog anatomy is called the bulbus glandis. It is part of the penis so it isn’t removed during castration. It is not involved in sperm production so your neutered dog can’t impregnate a female when the swelling is present. It is made up of erectile tissue which is why it noticeable some times and not at others. And no, if it is noticeable, it doesn’t mean your dog has his mind in the gutter–it is just part of their normal physiology. Its job is to serve as the “tie” during breeding, which is why some dogs are “locked” together for a brief time following a mating.
–Dr. Olson
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Dr. Olson practices small animal medicine in Denver, CO and is a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.
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